Author: Katie

Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab at the 2026 Undergraduate Research Symposium

Katie News, Presentation ,

Congratulations to the Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab undergraduates who presented their research at the University of Washington’s 29th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium on May 15! From oral presentations to posters, our students shared work spanning early mobility, gait analysis, and neuromodulation — proud moment for the whole lab.

Oral Presentations

Early Intervention Providers’ Perspectives on a Switch-Accessible Play Kit Analyzed Through an Interdependence Framework Alisha Bose (mentored by Mia Hoffman)

Muscular Coactivation Analysis in Toddlers with Hypotonia Spencer Hensley (mentored by Mia Hoffman)

Poster Presentations

Real-Time Bayesian Estimation of Steady-State Oxygen Consumption During Clinical Walking Trials for Neuromuscular-Impaired Individuals David Green (mentored by Mackenzie Pitts)

Object Detection Optimization for Movement Tracking of Young Children Using Mobility Aids Katie Leija (mentored by Mia Hoffman)

Effects of Bodyweight Support on the Gait Deviation Index of Children with Cerebral Palsy Alyssa Miller (mentored by Ally Clarke)

Evaluating the Effects of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation on Perceived Walking Performance and Exertion in Children with Cerebral Palsy Quinn Mundell (mentored by Madeleine McCreary)

Huge thanks to the graduate student mentors who supported these projects, and congratulations to all our presenters on a fantastic symposium!

Engineering Discovery Days 2026

Katie News, Outreach , ,

The University of Washington College of Engineering continued its long‑standing tradition of Engineering Discovery Days in 2026, bringing hands‑on STEM experiences to K–12 students, teachers, and families from across the state.

The UW Biomechanics community participated with the exhibit “Biomechanics Assemble! From Exoskeletons to Cytoskeletons,” showcasing how we study movement and forces across scales.

Visitors explored interactive demos including MyoDino, where muscle activity controlled a computer game using wireless EMG sensors, and a Grip Strength Challenge using a digital dynamometer to test and compare strength. Participants also engaged with 3D‑printed ankle–foot orthoses (AFOs) and hand models, learning how biomechanics and design support mobility and function.

It was a fun and impactful opportunity to spark curiosity, share our research, and inspire the next generation of engineers.

Introducing Dr. Mia Hoffman!

Katie EarlyMobility, Exams, News, Presentation , , , , , ,

Congratulations to Dr. Mia Hoffman on earning a Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering!

Dr. Hoffman’s PhD dissertation was titled “Pathways to self‑initiated mobility: Adoption and use of mobility aids by young children with developmental disabilities.” Her work advanced understanding of how early mobility supports can promote exploration, participation, and development for children with disabilities.

Congratulations and best of luck as Mia moves forward as a President’s Postdoctoral Scholar at The Ohio State University, working with Dr. Jill Heathcock in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences in the College of Medicine!

Neuromechanics & Mobility Lab presents at NCM 2026

Katie EarlyMobility, News, Presentation, SpinalStim , , , ,

Members of the lab attended the Neural Control of Movement (NCM) conference in Kobe, Japan, bringing together an international community focused on understanding how the brain controls movement.

Dr. Kat Steele presented at the satellite meeting on “Precision neurorehabilitation for movement disorders: Integrating technology, neuroscience, and clinical practice,” where she also organized a session on gait and mobility. Her talk, “On time mobility: Neuromechanics to support early play and participation,” highlighted the lab’s work at the intersection of biomechanics and neurorehabilitation.

Madeleine McCreary presented a poster on “Biomechanical effects of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation amplitude on gait in children with cerebral palsy.” And Katie Landwehr‑Prakel also presented a poster on “Impacts of transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation on muscle activity and heart rate responses during robotic gait trainer use in children with cerebral palsy.”

We were also excited to connect with lab alum and collaborator Dr. Charlotte DeVol, highlighting the strong ongoing collaborations within our broader research community.

It was an exciting opportunity to share research, connect with collaborators, and engage with the global NCM community.

  • Three people pose in front of a large red torii gate at a busy shrine in Japan, with a traditional temple building and visitors in the background.
  • Dr. Kat Steele stands at a podium presenting to an audience, with a large slide reading “On Time Mobility: Neuromechanics to support early play and participation” displayed on a screen at an NCM conference session.
  • Katie stands in front of a scientific poster titled “Impacts of Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation on Muscle Activity and Heart Rate Responses During Robotic Gait Trainer Use in Children with Cerebral Palsy” at a poster session.

Congratulations to Dr. Kat Steele, Named a 2026 ASB Fellow

Katie Awards, News ,
Picture of Kat in purple shirt.

We were proud to celebrate Dr. Kat Steele being named a 2026 Fellow of the American Society of Biomechanics (ASB), one of the society’s highest honors recognizing sustained and impactful contributions to the field.

Kat will be inducted at the 2026 ASB Annual Business Meeting in Vancouver, Canada, held in conjunction with the World Congress of Biomechanics (WCB). She joins an outstanding cohort of new Fellows whose work has advanced biomechanics research, education, and service.

Congratulations to Kat on this well‑deserved recognition!